TheAmpersandFoundation
Championing the excellence of South African visual artists — connecting creative minds across continents, one fellowship at a time.
300+
Artists Supported
A Bridge Between
Two Worlds
Founded in 1997 by art patron and philanthropist Jack Ginsberg, the Ampersand Foundation is a non-profit charitable trust dedicated to rewarding excellence in South African contemporary visual arts. The foundation is governed by a distinguished board of South African and American trustees united by a singular belief: that great art transcends borders.
For nearly three decades, the foundation has connected the vibrant creative energy of South Africa with the international art world centred in New York City. By placing South African artists in Tribeca — one of the world's great cultural neighbourhoods — Ampersand opens doors to galleries, institutions, collectors and ideas that would otherwise remain beyond reach.
The foundation also acquires artworks directly from South African artists and donates them to public museums and galleries, ensuring that this extraordinary creative legacy is preserved for future generations.
Excellence
We recognise and support professional South African visual arts practitioners of varying ages and disciplines who demonstrate exceptional creative vision.
Opportunity
Our fellowship places artists in Tribeca, New York — immersing them in a city that has defined contemporary art for generations.
Legacy
By donating acquired artworks to museums and galleries, we ensure South Africa's artistic heritage endures for generations to come.
Community
With more than 300 artists supported since 1997, Ampersand is a cornerstone of South Africa's fine art landscape.
Previous Fellows
Paul Emmanuel
Visual Artist
First ever Ampersand Fellow
Diane Victor
Printmaker & Draughtsperson
Known for her monumental smoke drawings
Penny Siopis
Painter & Filmmaker
One of South Africa's most celebrated contemporary artists
Stephen Hobbs
Sculptor & Installation Artist
Explores urban space and architecture
Senzeni Marasela
Multimedia Artist
Known for embroidery, video and performance
Nicholas Hlobo
Sculptor
Works with rubber, ribbon and found objects
Mbongeni Buthelezi
Painter
Creates paintings from repurposed plastic
Gabrielle Goliath
Performance & Video Artist
Explores trauma, identity and human rights
Kemang Wa Lehulere
Multidisciplinary Artist
Works across drawing, installation and performance
Kate Gottgens
Painter
Figurative painter of haunting atmospheric canvases
Heidi Fourie
Sculptor & Installation Artist
Explores memory and material culture
Alan Laing
Painter
Abstract painter rooted in the South African landscape
Alison Shaw
Printmaker
Explores the intersection of text and image
Wayne Matthews
Painter
Figurative works addressing social histories
Georgina Gratrix
Painter
Exuberant figurative paintings with vivid colour
Hlavutelo Ngobeni
Printmaker
Artist Proof Studio graduate
Jill Trappler
Ceramicist
Explores texture and form in ceramic sculpture
Showing 17 selected fellows · 300+ artists supported since 1997
The Fellowship
A funded residency in Tribeca, New York — one of the world's most vibrant arts neighbourhoods — awarded annually to South Africa's finest visual artists.
Discover the fellowship →28 Years of Change
From our first fellow in 1997 to 300+ artists supported today — explore the full story of how the Ampersand Foundation has shaped South African art.
See our impact →Support the Arts
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